04203nam a22003977a 4500 OSt 20260422182457.0 260416b |||||||| |||| 00| 0 eng d University of Cebu-Banilad University of Cebu-Banilad Bordario, Shane Anne C., author. Behind the badge : exploring the lived experiences of female police officers on handling violence against women and children cases at Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu / Shane Anne C. Bordario, Jairo B. Enriquez, SHermaine L. Paler, Janice Reuyan, Gia Desiree P. Tariao. Cebu City, Philippines : University of Cebu-Banilad, c2025. 181 pages : colored illustrations ; 28 cm. rdacontent text rdamedia unmediated rdacarrier volume Includes bibliographical references. "Female police officers make crucial contributions to law enforcement, bringing varied perspectives and abilities that enrich the field (Diaz & Nuño, 2021). Female officers contribute distinctive abilities to law enforcement, such as strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, among others. Furthermore, women pursuing careers in this field have the opportunity to work and serve within their communities, playing a role in enhancing local safety. This study aimed to obtain the responses of female police officers working at the Women and Children's Protection Desk [WCPD] at Lapu-lapu, City regarding their experiences in handling Violence Against Women and Children [VAWC] cases, as mentioned above. The study employed a qualitative research design, using a phenomenological approach, to deeply explore officers experiences, challenges, coping mechanisms, and insights. Key Informants were a select group of female police officers assigned to the Women and Children Protection Desks (WCPD) in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. Data were gathered through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, Findings present the responses of the selected female police officers in Lapu-Lapu City, and thematic analysis was used to analyze the collected data. Findings show that the prevalent experiences before and after engaging with VAWC cases included significant emotional burden, secondary traumatic stress, and challenges in maintaining work-life balance. Many officers reported personal sacrifices in terms of time and emotional energy. Additionally, they highlighted the critical importance of their gender in building rapport and trust with victims. The female officers of the Women and Children Protection Desk [WCPD] deliver essential trauma-informed services that are critical to enforcing laws against violence against women and children [VAWC] and securing justice in Lapu-Lapu City. However, their effectiveness is at risk due to the absence of mandated, systematic psychological support, which results in high levels of vicarious trauma and burnout. It is highly recommended that the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office formally establish regular, mandatory mental health check-ins and debriefing sessions as a standard practice for all Women and Children Protection Desk [WCPD] personnel. This strategy supports the Philippine National Police's overall mission to enhance their response to violence against women and children by incorporating trauma-informed care and working closely with local partners, while also prioritizing the emotional health of frontline officers to help them continue their crucial work with strength and compassion." —Abstract Adult Pableo-Borbon, Deniebelle College of Criminology Criminology Text in English Female police officers. VAWC cases. Lived experiences. Women and children protection desk. Qualitative research. Phenomenological study. Lapu-Lapu City. Enriquez, Jairo B., author. Paler, Shermaine L., author. Reuyan, Janice, author. Tariao, Gia Desiree P., author. ddc THE Gian [new] 04/16/2026 15164 15164 0 0 ddc 0 0 UCBL_PI UCBL_PI THESIS 2026-04-16 T B64be 2025 3UCBL000029655 2026-04-16 2026-04-16 THE